Wave and tidal energy devices do not scare off marine mammals and seabirds, according to a new report.
Researchers drew the conclusion from a review of more than 10 years’ worth of observations around renewable energy test sites in the waters off Orkney.
They found that while increased boat activity during construction of devices may cause some species to leave temporarily, there was “little evidence of any long-term effects.”
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Marine Scotland and the Stromness-based European Marine Energy Centre (Emec) studied around 16,500 hours of observations from the Fall of Warness and Billia Croo facilities.
George Lees, marine energy manager at SNH, said: “These initial results are reassuring and show that the deployment and testing of multiple wave and tidal energy converters in the seas off Orkney over more than a decade has not had a significant impact on the diverse and abundant wildlife living there.”
The findings were welcomed by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, who said: “This is an important step forward and strengthens our understanding of how marine mammals and seabirds respond to the installation and operation of wave and tidal turbines.”
In Aberdeen yesterday more than 75 delegates attended a workshop on collaboration opportunities between the oil and gas supply chain and wave and tidal power sector.
The event was organised by development body Opportunity North East (One) and the Ocean Power Innovation Network with support from Scottish Enterprise.
Trevor Garlick, who chairs One’s oil and gas sector board said: “Today’s event demonstrated clear opportunities for the oil and gas supply chain to support the development of the growing wave and tidal power sector.”